A little inspiration for anyone like me who gets a little anxious and is tempted to hide their heads in a pillow in the afternoon.

[Anxiety-guy]

I saw an article online by a guy that had a bout of depression for 6 months and he said the 1st beatitude blessed are the poor in spirit for they shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. I would like to inherit the kingdom of heaven.

But I wanted to share that with all of you as well as a scripture. I use to be depressed for years and years. Just laying in my bed looking at the ceiling. Kicking myself for making mistakes with my daughter after my wife died and feeling like a bum because my anxiety was so severe that I couldn't work anymore. But its been 2 years since my niece invited me to church and 2 years of prayer and 1 year of reading the Bible again and about 6 months of going to confession and communion and I use to be a shut in but I am getting better. I believe that Jesus forgave me and that I have the holy spirit inside me. Infact last night when I would usually start eating and smoking my void away I took the advice of an Irish priest to pray to Jesus to show you the things you do to let evil into your life. And I did. And I held off a little on my smoking and my eating. And as I was laying on the coach I smelt this very great smell. It wasn't me or anything I have ever smelled before. I am going to search the Bible to see if the holy spirit has a fragrance. But I wanted to say this to all of you who are struggling today. Its 2 scriptures. I love the second scripture. It goes "do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition and with Thanksgiving present your request to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses any and all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ."

I hope I didn't offend anyone by being Christian here. Please let me know if I have.

[Hidden]

Thank you for sharing your experience, also the uplifting verses! Wishing you peace and blessings. 🙏👍

[Doggie123-UK]

I see no harm or offence in you sharing your thoughts, many people will find help/peace of mind through your post, I myself am not of the Christian faith but found it uplifting. Blessings and love.

[Anxiety-guy in reply to Doggie123-UK]

Blessings and love to you.

[PurpleSynesthesia]

Encouraging,

Thank you. Jesus has come through for me so many times & in ways that people probably wouldn't believe unless they'd lived it.

He gets me through this roller-coaster of living with anxiety & depression & turns around even my darkest moments for my good and to encourage others.

There's so much we could talk about.

Regarding the fragrance you mention, I've never personally experienced it but my Nanna has told me that she has, when she's been in a moment of prayer.

I've had other experiences of the presence of the Holy Spirit. I know He's with me, even though I constantly mess up. He's always patient with me even when I'm so very impatient with others.

A Scripture that helps me is from Psalms, "I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You." It helps to remember that sin isn't necessarily something that outright goes against God but can include simply neglecting my relationship with Him. This psalm reminds me to keep reading Scripture so that I can memorise verses about God's love & character to meditate on throughout the day - helping me cling to Him. The ancient Hebrew priests would bind pieces of Scripture to their wrists & foreheads as a symbol of remembering & of their devotion to God.

The more we seek, the more God gradually imparts Himself to us - not by knowledge, but by the gentle change of our character & wisdom (I'm not wise yet 😅). Knowledge is secondary to relationship & character as God values the heart.

Grace & peace to you. 🙏🏻